Born Ruffians - Red, Yellow and BlueI can't count how many times I came back to this album. Every single one of the songs are so catchy and fresh. Such a unique voice and very sharp hooks secured this album at the top of my list. One of my biggest regrets was not making out to their show at Skully's. Excited to hear where they go from this album. If you want to try something new, check it out.

Evangelicals - The Evening DescendsAnother artist that was completely new to me this year. This album is perfect for so many different moods. I found myself listening to it while falling asleep, and at other times blaring it out of my speakers. The band seems to be heavily influenced by b-movie horror flicks. I get kind of a new age punk/psychedelia vibe. Amazing album, every track is amazing. Btw, their live show is amazing.

TV on the Radio - Dear ScienceExcellent follow-up to Return to Cookie Mountain. This is a pretty funky album, very energetic at certain parts. Sort of a different direction than their last effort but executed just as successfully.

Ratatat - LP3I listened to this album a lot while I was studying, which is probably part of the reason I dig it so much. Not only is the music danceable and incredibly exciting, but it is the perfect background music when you are trying to focus. Alongside this album, I really got into the rest of their catalog as well, grade A stuff.

Vampire Weekend - s/tThe band that everyone loves to hate. Wow did they receive a lot of backlash once they got some mainstream success. Well good for them, I don't know why people have a problem with talented acts getting the success they deserve. Well on any note, I loved it, simple, catchy pop, what more can you ask for?

Frightened Rabbit - Midnight Organ FlightThis took a listen or two, but was one of the most rewarding returns as I listened to this album a lot over the past few months. There is definitely some heartbreak on this album, but that is what fills it with so much emotion. If you don't mind the accent, then this is the perfect folk rock album for ya.

MGMT - Oracular SpectacularThese guys really blew up fast. Very similar to my thoughts on Vampire Weekend, I think it was well deserved. Very catchy modern psychedelia with enough pop influence so people won't stray away. Really looking forward to that project with Kevin Barnes ;)

The Walkmen - You and MeAn excellent release to an excellent catalog. Really pissed I didn't get to hear the new stuff live when they came to town. I'm not sure if I like it better than Bows + Arrows, but it's a good one.

British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?It seems like I've been listening to this for so long that it should be on 07's list or something. But, regardless, I think the title holds. If you answer yes, or even maybe, you should give it a spin. I've said this before and I'll say it again: See them Live. They rocked my face off. Like, my face is off and that's a problem...British Sea Power has my face.

The Roots - Rising DownC'mon, it's the roots. One day I hope mainstream hip hop will be like the roots. Oh hey, I heard they are going to be Jimmy Fallon's band when he takes over Conan's spot on late night, how awesome is that? Jimmy better not mess that up.

Beck - Modern GuiltI wasn't that big of a fan of The Information, but, being Beck I had faith he wouldn't do the same thing twice. So, I had pretty high hopes for this one. Well, needless to say, I really enjoyed it. To top it all off, it was produced by Danger Mouse.

Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the True Loves - Roll With MeAlthough it's all been done before, it is one of the most fun albums I heard all year. The horns, the soul, absolutely classic. One of those albums you can put on and everyone will like it no matter what age or style.

Foals - AntidotesI would describe these guys as brit pop meets math rock.. Although I have no idea what the guy is saying most of the time, their songs get me so pumped. Do yourself a favor and listen to "Two Steps Twice", and you'll understand.

The Black Keys - Attack and ReleaseYet another Danger Mouse produced album makes my year end list. Although this doesn't hold a torch to Rubber Factory, it still is pretty damn rockin. Also, it was a pretty cool change of style for the band, as I'm sure innovation gets pretty rough when you are a guitar/drum duo.

Nine Inch Nails - The SlipOkay, so this is probably on my list because I finally got a chance to see them live and I kinda went crazy listening to their discography. Also, Trent giving it away was pretty rad. But, I really liked this album much better than Year Zero and With Teeth.

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever AgoIf you are into folk at all you need to listen to this album. If you look at some other lists you might see it up a bit higher, but, I guess I kind of forgot about it towards the end of the year. At any rate, it truly is a beautiful album.

The Mars Volta - Bedlam In GoliathOkay, I am a bit bias because I am such a big fan. But, to be honest, I didn't really even like it the first time through. Needless to say, that quickly changed and I now rank it below Deloused and just below Frances. It's a bit heavier, but it still brings the funk aspects that initially drew me in.

Deerhunter - MicrocastlesSo this just came out not too long ago so it really hasn't had all that much time to settle, but on first listen I thought it was pretty rad. If you listen to one song off the album, take a gander at "nothing ever happened". Also, the accompanying "weird era" is pretty righteous too.

Cold War Kids - Loyalty to LoyaltyI was a huge fan of robbers and cowards, and although this album isn't instantly as lovable, it won me over after a few listens. Such a unique voice and so soulful.

Of Montreal - Skeletal LampingSpeaking of unique, this one takes the cake. Kevin Barnes takes on his glam rock alter ego Georgie Fruit, who apparently "is a black man who has undergone multiple sex changes". If you can't get past that, then turn around and you miss out. If you do, you are in for a heck of an album. Albeit strange, definitely great. The only thing is there is no "the past is a grotesque animal", however "St. Exquisites Confessions" comes close.